Dove Valley CO Passport Guide: Facilities, Checklists, Tips

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Dove Valley, CO

Dove Valley, an unincorporated community in Arapahoe County, Colorado, benefits from its proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA), making international travel convenient for ski trips to Europe, Rockies-to-Alps adventures, or quick getaways to Mexico amid winter breaks. Residents, including University of Denver students on exchanges or families facing urgent needs, often face appointment shortages during peak spring/summer and holiday seasons. This guide streamlines the process with tailored checklists, local facility details, pitfalls like photo rejections (25% of issues), and Colorado-specific tips to avoid delays.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right path to prevent restarts. DS-11 requires in-person at an acceptance facility; DS-82 allows mailing if eligible—common mistake for Colorado's frequent renewers.

• First-Time, Child (Under 16), or Lost/Stolen: DS-11 in person. Both parents needed for minors or notarized DS-3053.
• Renewal: DS-82 by mail if passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged. Otherwise, DS-11.
• Damaged or Data Error: DS-5504 with prior passport.
• Name Change: DS-82/DS-5504 plus court docs.

Download unsigned forms from travel.state.gov [2]. Colorado births? Get certificates from CDPHE [3].

Required Documents and Common Pitfalls

Originals only (photocopy extras). Pitfalls: 40% minor apps delayed by missing parental consent; name changes trip up 20% due to incomplete court orders.

Checklist:

• Citizenship proof (birth cert, naturalization cert, old passport) + photocopy.
• ID (REAL ID driver's license ideal) + photocopy.
• 2x2 photo (specs below).
• Unsigned form + fees (check/money order: $130 adult/$100 child app fee to State Dept.; $35 execution to facility).
• Minors: Parents' IDs/consent.

High-altitude glare or snow delays mail—double-check.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25% rejections from poor photos [1]. Must be 2x2 inches, color, white/off-white background, head 1-1⅜ inches, even light, no shadows/glasses/hats (religious/medical OK).

Local Tips:

• CVS/Walgreens/UPS in Centennial (e.g., 7777 S Yosemite St.): $15–17, quick.
• Avoid selfies/high-altitude sun glare—use pros within 6 months [5][6].

Retake costs time; facilities reject on-site.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Dove Valley

No local facility—head to Centennial/Aurora (5–10 miles). DIA proximity spikes demand; book 4–6 weeks

ahead via iafdb.travel.state.gov [7]. Expect 15–30min interviews: agent verifies docs, oaths signature, seals envelope. Walk-ins rare; call ahead. Peak Dec–Jan/Jun–Aug fill fast for ski/summer trips.

Detailed List:

• Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder (Centennial/Littleton, ~5 miles): 5334 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120. Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm. Appointments via website/phone: 303-649-6351. Handles all types [8].
• Centennial Post Office (~5 miles): 3780 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80122. Mon–Fri 9am–3pm, select Wed/Sat. Call 303-795-0804 for appts/hours [4].
• Southlands Post Office (Aurora, ~10 miles): 6205 S Main St, Aurora, CO 80016. Limited hours; call 303-693-1543 to confirm/ book [4].
• Aurora City Clerk (~10 miles): 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012. Mon–Fri by appt. Call 303-326-8100 or online [9].

Verify via [7]; changes common. For visuals:

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned [2].
2. Gather/checklist docs + photocopies.
3. Fees: Separate checks; add $60 expedite.
4. Book appt (call/site); arrive early.
5. At facility: Present, sign under oath, get receipt.
6. Photo if needed (nearby Walgreens).
7. Track online post-7 days [1].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6–8 weeks (+2–4 peaks). Expedite: +$60, 2–3 weeks. Life-or-Death (<14 days): Call 1-877-487-2778 after submit [10]. DIA emergencies? Regional agency only for proven urgents—no routine same-day. Apply 3+ months early; snow/DIA surges delay.

Special Considerations for Minors and Colorado Residents

Minors: Both parents or DS-3053 (notarize at USPS/banks). DU/CU students: Check campus events. Birth certs: CDPHE online rush ($20+) [3]. Post-marriage: Court decree.

Renewals by Mail: When and How (DS-82)

Eligible? Skip facilities. Pitfall: Ineligible forces DS-11 redo.

Checklist:

1. Confirm: <15yrs, 16+ issue age, intact [1].
2. DS-82 online, signed [2].
3. Packet: Old passport top, form, photo (endorsed back), $130 fee, old passport photocopy.
4. Mail Priority tracked to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].
5. Track/call 1-877-487-2778.

S

now? Use tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advance timing? 3–6 months; peaks longer [1].
Same-day? No; DIA emergencies call [10].
Full appts? Try Aurora/USPS locator [7].
Photo reject? Retake—glare/shadows common [5].
Child appt? Yes + parents [1].
Track? Receipt # online [1].
Expedite guarantee? 2–3wks goal; <14days emergencies only [10].
CO birth cert? CDPHE [3].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
https://pptform.state.gov/
[3] Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Vital Records
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vital-records
[4] USPS - Passport Services
https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[6] Walgreens - Passport Photos
https://photo.walgreens.com/store/passport-photos
[7] Passport Acceptance Facility Search
https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[8] Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder - Passports
https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_clerk_and_recorder/passports.php
[9] City of Aurora - Passports
https://www.auroragov.org/city_clerk/passports
[10] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-options.html